Brits’ crisis mindset continues to linger, with almost two-thirds believing the cost of living crisis still showed no signs of improvement in March 2025.
What is the consumer sentiment in the UK?
The recovery of financial wellbeing has stagnated, with responses in March 2025 in line with those going back to September 2024. Despite this, the majority of Brits remain in relatively stable financial positions, with 26% of Brits reporting healthy finances.
Is consumer confidence going up or down?
Consumer spending is projected to rise modestly in 2025, reaching £1.85 trillion. Steady, slow growth is expected to continue through to 2029.
Mintel estimates that total consumer spending fell in real terms in 2024, and 2025 is forecast to be another year of modest spending, growing by just 2.8%. Most Brits are yet to feel significant relief on their finances and spending in discretionary categories continues to be cautious. As a result, savvy-shopping behaviours are staples in consumers’ lives, though demand for health, wellness, and experiences is influencing spending decisions.
As consumers navigate these challenges, the need for connection and community is growing. Brand-led communities hold appeal, with four in ten Brits interested in joining a community around a specific brand. For consumers, these communities offer added value and sense of belonging, and for brands it offers a powerful opportunity to drive deeper engagement, gather customer insights, and cultivate organic brand ambassadors.
Key Topics Analysed in the Report
This report was written by Francesca Smith. Francesca joined Mintel in 2021 with previous experience in market analysis, and holds a First-class degree in Psychology. Francesca writes all of the UK lifestyles reports and regularly presents to clients, covering cross-category topics such as sustainability and health, and deep-dives into consumer groups such as Generation Z and parents.
As consumers navigate the aftermath of a turbulent few years, the need for connection is growing, with a place for brand-led communities to provide a sense of belonging.
Francesca Smith
Principal Consumer Lifestyles Analyst
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